Technological Systems

Course Syllabus

Course Description:

This course is designed for you to utilize the universal systems model including input, process, output and feedback. You will examine various systems, such as; electrical, magnetic, mechanical, fluid, structural, natural, thermal, chemical, and information. You will learn how various systems work together. Technological Systems reinforces the areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts through practical application and/or hands on activities.

At the end of this course, you will be able to utilize the universal systems model to design and produce a technological product.

Instructional Philosophy:

In both individual and group activities you will experience ways in which technical knowledge and processes contribute to effective designs, abilities and skills that contribute to effective design and solutions to real word, technological problems. You will participate in design activities to gain an understanding on how criteria, constraints, and process affect design. Brainstorming, visualizing, modeling, constructing, testing, and refining designs provide firsthand opportunities for you to understand the uses and impacts of engineering and technology.

In addition to classroom activities you are encouraged to join the Technology Student Association (TSA). TSA is a student focused organization that participates in local, state and national competitive, non-competitive and community service activities. The cost is $35 per year and is purely optional.

Course Goals:

1.  Explore the concept Universal Systems Model.

2.  Study the how the design process is used to develop a technological system.

3.  Examine how humans interact with systems.

4.  Examine how systems evolve from one stage to another

5.  Recognize and be able to forecast trends in the development of technological systems.

6.  Recognize relationships among technologies and assess the impact of integrated systems.

7.  Exhibit leadership skills and work ethics.

Major Course Assignments and Projects:

Engineering Notebook-Each student will be required to have and complete an engineering notebook. An engineering notebook is a bound book that contains the ideas of its author, along with all notes, data, observations, calculations, and other information relevant to the discovery or experiment being conducted. It provides an important record of an engineer or inventor's work. When properly maintained, it may be submitted as a legal document for patent purposes or legal records.

Career Plan-You will select two careers and research those careers, outlining education requirements, career outlooks, wage and earnings, and other information specific to that career using Career Cruising. You will turn in a two page written essay for each of the careers selected.

Robotics (optional)-You will learn how to program and interact with the LEGO Mindstorms robotic system on an advanced level by completing all Robot Educator Modules. Appropriate observations and drawings will be recorded in your engineering notebook.

Virtual Computer-You will a construct a virtual computer using MySuperPC.com. You will use Microsoft Excel to create a purchase order for your “super” computer. Pertinent information and drawings will be recorded in your engineering notebook. Each pair of students will build an actual working computer using the Raspberry Pi.


Assessment:

Students will be assessed using the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Rubric:

Projects:

Criterion A / Investigate / 0 – 6 Points
Criterion B / Design / 0 – 6 Points
Criterion C / Plan / 0 – 6 Points
Criterion D / Create / 0 – 6 Points
Criterion E / Evaluate / 0 – 6 Points
Criterion F / Attitudes in technology / 0 – 6 Points
Total / 36 Points

Final Grade:

1 / Minimal achievement in terms of the descriptors. / 0-5
2 / Very limited achievement against all the objectives. The student has difficulty in understanding required knowledge and skills, and is unable to apply them fully in normal situations, even with support. / 6-9
3 / Limited achievement against most of the objectives, or clear difficulties in some areas. The student demonstrates a limited understanding of the required knowledge and skills and is only able to apply them fully in normal situations with support. / 10-15
4 / A good general understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply them in effectively in normal situations. There is occasional evidence of the skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. / 16-21
5 / A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply them in a variety of situations. The student generally shows evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation where appropriate and occasionally demonstrates originality and insight. / 22-26
6 / A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply them in a wide variety of situations. There is consistent evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation where appropriate. The student generally demonstrates originality and insight. / 27-31
7 / A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply them almost faultlessly in a wide variety of situations. There is consistent evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation where appropriate. The student consistently demonstrates originality and insight and always produces work of high quality. / 32-36

If you need to make up work and are unable to catch up during class time, it will be necessary to make an appointment to come after school and use the facility. ALL assignments will be reduced by 5 points for every day they are late and will not be accepted more than 10 days after they are due (at which time the assignment will be worth a MAXIMUM of 50 points). Notebooks will not be accepted late unless a valid excuse is presented for an absence on the date that it was due.

Attendance:

It is expected that you adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Student Handbook. It is your responsibility to inform me of any excused absences. Otherwise, all absences are assumed to be UNEXCUSED. Unexcused absences and tardies may result in detention, parent notification and may be reflected in your classroom participation grade.